KAO Salon Global Experience 2023

Kao Salon Division proudly presented the eagerly awaited 2023 Kao Salon Global Experience, celebrating a sensational burst of creativity, innovation and inspiration. This two-day extravaganza welcomed more than 2000 stylists from around the globe for an unforgettable showcase of extraordinary presentations, a thrilling live competition and engaging artist performances in the vibrant city of Chicago on September 24 and 25, 2023. Attendees enjoyed a mesmerizing display of the latest trends, techniques, and products synonymous with the Kao Salon family.

“At Kao Salon, creativity isn’t just a buzzword – it’s our DNA,” says Dominic Pratt, President Kao Salon Division. “Our commitment to innovation, imagination and integrity drives us daily, and Kao Salon Global Experience is the epitome of this ethos. We use this time to celebrate our exceptional products and, more importantly, the remarkable individuals who make up our Kao Salon family.”

More than just an event, Kao Salon Global Experience serves as a celebration of creativity, a testament to innovation, and a gathering of like-minded individuals who are passionate about pushing the boundaries of the beauty and hair industry. It was also the 75th-anniversary celebration of Kao Salon’s stylist-centric brand, Goldwell, marking the culmination of decades of industry-breaking innovation, leading-edge technology, relentless research and development and deep relationships between Goldwell and its stylists.

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The Show Stoppers

Some of the many highlights of the event include the Global Creative Awards evening with the announcement of the new winners, the premiere of the new “Hair Every Wear 3.0” collection of Global Goldwell Ambassador Angelo Seminara, as well as the “Eras of Anarchy” collection of the Rush Artistic Team, which is inspired by and paying homage to the exemplars of British fashion. “We want to take the audience on an eclectic journey, a visual feast that inspires in an inimitable Rush style.”, says Any Heasman, Rush International Artistic Director.

Angelo Seminara shares his excitement for the event: “Kao Salon Global Experience is such a unique event. I loved sharing my vision and passion with like-minded professionals, and it is amazing to see the special connection between the artists who work in this industry. The Global Creative Awards Evening is the greatest evening event worldwide!”

Mario Krankl’s show was a hymn to creativity. The collection video “Frankenstein’s Beauties” takes up a more relevant theme than ever in a sombre mood. In his “hair smith”, Krankl expressed his extended understanding of hair: “Besides the salon business, hair is my playground and an expression of infinite creativity,” says Krankl.

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BEST OF EDUCATION

Throughout the event, the world’s most creative artistic teams took the stage to share cutting-edge trends and techniques, featuring the remarkable products of the Kao Salon Division. The best educators and artists were among them live on stage: Lok Chan & Salome de Wet, Zachary Jarid & Ethan King, Daniel Bruns & Sage Kinney, and Kerasilk Steven Picciano & Krysten Ashley Garrod.

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BEST OF INSPIRATION

Five inspiring Artist Sessions gave guests from all over the world the opportunity to experience excellent mastery of their craftsmanship:

● ICI JOLIE (Netherlands) is a group of passionate hair stylists specializing in innovative color and cutting techniques. Known for their teamwork, creativity, quality and professionalism, ICI JOLIE has long been a part of the Kao Salon family. Besides working regularly for photo shoots and collections, Agnes and Gea have a Boutique salon in the Netherlands with education programs.

● EVOLVE (Singapore) is an award-winning salon based in Singapore, well-known in the fashion and hairdressing industries. Frequently featured on TV, in magazines, and in fashion shows, Evolve sets an industry benchmark for its creative team and stylists’ skill, knowledge, and professionalism. From stylish haircuts to beautiful color treatments, Evolve provides memorable and distinctive experiences for consumers, allowing them to look and feel their best.

● HARE & BONE (United Kingdom) was founded on individuality, self-expression, openness and creativity. The collective of talents is a line-up of inspiring stylists that showcase the HARE & BONE ethos in everything they do. Creative Director Sam Burnett has inspired international campaigns and global brands. As a result, the HARE & BONE Art Team is an instinctive, fashion-focused, trend-conscious team of experts.

● THE CREATIVES OF NORTH AMERICA (United States) features a fusion of established National and International Artists from Canada and the United States. This team features award-winning stylists who work across Goldwell, Kerasilk, KMS and Varis. They share trends featuring beautiful colors, fabulous cuts and stunning finishes that every salon client wants when they visit a salon.

● KIEN HOANG (United States) continues to work behind the scenes at Fashion Week
internationally, styling the runways of brands including Balenciaga, Armani, Moschino, and FENTYXPUMA. Over several years, Kien has established himself as an in-demand lead stylist at New York and Paris Fashion Week. Kien shares his passion for education with stylists around the world. He is known as much for his artistry and technical skill as he is for his passion, warmth and generosity. His creative approach to hairstyling inspires stylists to go above and beyond their daily salon work.

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LEADERSHIP IN SUSTAINABILITY RECOGNITION

Sustainability played an essential role at the event with an experience area including innovative and sustainable packaging ideas, tips to reduce the carbon footprint and an interactive quiz. The highlight was the recognition of salons from three regions for their leadership in salon sustainability:

Representing Europe, the recognition for “Leader in Salon Sustainability” goes to Unisex Friseure
Representing America, the recognition for “Leader in Salon Sustainability” goes to Fringe, A Boutique Salon
Representing Asia, the recognition for “Leader in Salon Sustainability” goes to Roots – Where Hair Begins

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REIMAGINING THE FUTURE OF KAO SALON GLOBAL EXPERIENCE

After its first regional gathering for community and inspiration twenty years ago in Europe, the event evolved over the next two decades from Trend Zoom into Color Zoom, then Global Zoom, and into Kao Salon Global Experience it is today: A clear demonstration of commitment to supporting the professional community at all levels – from younger talents to seasoned professionals.

The hairdressing industry has never been sitting still, but the scale with which this industry has changed in the past few years has been unprecedented. To reflect this change and to make this unique educational opportunity available to even more stylists, it is time for the next evolution of the event.

Kao Salon Division will pause the live event in 2024 to reimagine the experience with the entire creative input of their professional community. It will relaunch in 2025 with a live program designed for a new generation of salon professionals – transforming into a new, modern and sustainable experience.

“Kao Salon Global Experience is one of the most important ways we demonstrate our commitment to supporting the professional community,” says Dominic Pratt, President Kao Salon Division. “For this reason, we are taking a year to transform the event and make it available to all existing and potential Kao Salon Division customers meaningfully, elevating the hairdressing industry and salon businesses worldwide. We are here to support, educate and inspire as one global Kao Salon Division family!”

THE 2024 GLOBAL CREATIVE AWARDS ARE STILL ON!

The Global Creative Awards will continue in 2024, and Kao Salon Division will be able to offer this creative platform and excellent exposure for existing and emerging talents. The competition will be fierce and entirely virtual in 2024, with more competitors, more global representation, and more creativity than ever.

For media inquiries, event details, and registration, please visit www.kaosalondivision.com.

BEAUTY HUB MAGAZINE SPEAKS WITH KAO GLOBAL SALON DIVISION PRESIDENT DOMINIC PRATT

CLICK HERE FOR THE GLOBAL CREATIVE AWARD WINNERS